SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

1

: an internationally recognized signal of distress in radio code ‧ ‧ ‧ - - - ‧ ‧ ‧ used especially by ships calling for help

2

: a call or request for help or rescue

Examples of SOS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All iPhones from iPhone 14 onwards automatically get free access to Emergency SOS for two years from activation. —David Phelan, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Satellite communication features, which also allow for typical messaging and calling outside of emergencies, are free for two years and Emergency SOS via satellite is included with Apple Watch Ultra 3 without a cellular plan. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

This lets people send SOS messages in an emergency or texts while in cellular dead zones. —PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025

This feature will enable emergency SOS functionality and potentially text messaging in remote areas without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for SOS

• bless
• chess
• cress
• dress
• es
• ess
• esse
• fess
• guess
• jess
• less
• lesse

Kids Definition

SOS

noun

ˌes-(ˌ)ō-ˈes 

ˌes-ə-ˈwes

1

: an international radio code distress signal used by ships and aircraft calling for help

2

: a call for help

Medical Definition

SOS

abbreviation

if occasion require; if necessary

—used in writing prescriptions

Etymology

Latin si opus sit